Choosing A Video Game System: Which One Is Best For Kids?

In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn't all that hard. After all, parents didn't have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy and one that parents will not regret spending money on.

Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the ps2 that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The ps2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft's xbox and xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the xbox with approximately 270 games and the xbox 360 with so far about a dozen -- but count on the number of xbox 360 titles to increase since it's a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for the xbox and the xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive's LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, ps2 and xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the ps2 and xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the xbox and the xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the ps2 to prevent their kids from watching dvd movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews. http://www.official-game-cheats.com.

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The Rules of Putting

Putting is a skill that many golfers spend a lot time on because it is the shot that puts the ball into the hole. For many golfers, taking long shots is much easier than trying to hit the smaller ones. understanding more about putting will help you become better at making those short shots and sinking the ball on par or below.

The putting green is usually circular and covered in astro turf so that it can be seen from many yards away. It is a different color green than the rest of the course. It also signifies the end of the round. The object of golf is to make it to the green in as few shots possible and then hit the ball into the hole in one or two shots. this can be very difficult become some greens are on hills or they are farther away than others. Eventually all golfers will make it to the green, but it's what they do while on the green may determine how successful they are throughout the game.

If you taking golf lessons, you will learn how to use a putting wedge to make those small shots after learning the basics of a golf swing. Putting requires you to have restraint and not overshoot the hole. Unlike other swings, when putting you should not move your arms as much. Keeping your arms close to the body will help you perfect the swing. Depending on the distance from the hole, you may need to hit the ball harder or softer in order for you to be successful.

If you are having difficulty with your putting methods, you should ask your instructor for special tips or advice on how to become better. Practicing often will help you improve. this includes going to the golf course and playing a few rounds. While you can buy small putting greens to keep in your office or backyard, nothing beats playing on a real course. Some driving ranges have specific areas for those who want to work on their putting as well.

When putting, you should prepare yourself mentally by not thinking you are going to fail. Keeping negative thoughts to the side will help you concentrate more on the game. Take your time when putting. If the green is slick, then make sure you compensate for this by hitting the ball a little harder so it can move through wet spots. If the green is dry, don't hit the ball as hard or you may miss the hole completely. Study publications on Benidorm golf courses before you go about actually playing golf in Benidorm.

Leroy Calstard often pens detailed articles on areas associated with Altea. You might find out more about his publications on benidorm golf courses at http://www.alicante-spain.com and various other sources for benidorm golf courses tips.

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Indoor Soccer to go High Tech

One of the newest trends in the world of soccer is the high-tech indoor soccer stadiums. They are used for all year around play without regard to seasonality. many of these stadiums are owned by companies, which lease or rent them out to the teams. The business model is quite profitable and some markets have more than one company with more than one facility each. These companies also sell items such as soccer balls, refreshments and video play back services. They also often have automatic kicking machines for practice like those used in tennis or for batting training in baseball.

Since these soccer arenas are indoors and climate controlled I propose that we take the coaching and training to a much higher level. I propose that we incorporate Holographic Technologies, which are getting closer to becoming reality, and use them to teach soccer techniques. Imagine the benefits to coaching if you took some of the greatest plays in world Cup soccer and allowed the kids to replay them. Setting up the holographic 3D images to move in full motion video on the field.

first you would put an athlete next to each of the players and then run the projection as the athletes matched them stride for stride and step for step, aligning themselves to confront the opponent by moving with the hologram into position and taking the shot or defending the goal. The athletes and players would learn emensly by watching and playing along side the greats. And all this is nearly possible. By using special coatings on the artificial grass to help the projection reflection it could be done quite easily. Think on this new technology and what it means for youth soccer.

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